2023-08-07 09:22:33
In the USA, an active ingredient was developed that is specifically effective against severe depression after childbirth (postpartum depression). A phase III clinical study was positive, so that the American Food and Drug Administration FDA has now approved the drug.
In the American Journal of Psychiatry, the research group describes that symptoms improved in all 170 women with severe postpartum depression after a recent delivery, including those in the placebo group. But only in those who had received the drug zuranolone did the symptoms decrease significantly and last for several weeks. The researchers suspect that the symptoms also improved in the placebo group because the women had also received other support, e.g. B. relief through childcare.
Many women are affected by postpartum depression: up to every seventh woman suffers from it. Symptoms include extreme tiredness, low mood, disinterest, lack of concentration, and suicidal thoughts. In contrast to Germany, a drug specifically intended for use in postpartum depression is approved in the USA, but it is administered intravenously for three days under medical supervision. However, this is impractical for many young mothers. Zuranolone, on the other hand, is taken as a tablet for two weeks, which greatly simplifies the treatment. It is not an antidepressant, but a steroid that affects the activity of nerve cells involved in regulating mood and behavior.
Those: FDA Presseinformation and DOI 10.1176/appi.ajp.20220785
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